Patch Candidate Profile: Heather Smeriglio For Greenwich Tax Collector

GREENWICH, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the town.

Candidate's Name:
Heather Smeriglio

What office are you seeking?
Tax Collector

What town do you live in?
Cos Cob

Campaign Website
https://reelectheather.com

Party Affiliation:
Republican, also endorsed by the Independent Party for Nov. 4.

Occupation:
Tax Collector 6 years

Family:
My husband John and I have five children: Jack, Jeff, Sara, Janine and Jacob. Two of our sons are US Marines. We also have sixteen grandchildren with number seventeen on her way in October! We are blessed!

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
Our two sons are in the Military in the US Marines, one is in active duty

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
My current position as elected Tax Collector. I started working in the office as a Tax Clerk in 2013.

Why are you seeking this office?
I love what I do, helping the residents of our town. I started in the office as a clerk and my gift is customer service. I earned my certification with the State of CT in 2017 and was re-certified in 2024.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Rising costs and the ability to pay their taxes. I always try to work with our residents in regard to this issue. I invite them to come in and have a conversation with me. It is always better to have a discussion and work on a solution than to ignore the bill.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I am certified by the State of Ct and take this position very seriously. I follow the law yet also have compassion and empathy for our towns residents. I have worked in the office since 2013 and work very hard to consistently keep our collection rate at the 99 percent range. I encourage my team members and promote education by ensuring my staff is certified as well by the State. I enjoy giving back to my community and am currently serving my fourth year as President of the Fairfield County Tax Collectors Association.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Currently working to add other payment methods, Apple Pay and Google Pay to our online selections.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Certification by the State of CT, President of Fairfield County Tax Collectors Association and Assistant Secretary of the State of Ct Tax Collectors Association.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
“Start each day by asking myself this question: Who can I help today? “

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
My door is always open to the residents of our town. I welcome any questions or comments and encourage feedback. If there’s anything I can do to help a taxpayer I will - regardless of party affiliations. I consider myself extremely blessed by God to be able to serve my hometown as Tax Collector.